Deep frying appliance

ABSTRACT

An electric deep frying appliance adapted for the heating of cooking oil comprising a bowl and heating assembly; said heating assembly including a heat distributor wherein said heat distributor is in the form of an annular dished member; said heating assembly further including a control pylon adapted to provide power and temperature control to said heat distributor.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is the U.S. National Phase of PCT/AU03/001431 filedOct. 31, 2003 and claims priority to Australian Patent Application No.2002952394 filed Oct. 31, 2002, which are hereby incorporated herein byreference in their entirety.

The present invention relates to equipment for the deep frying of food,and more particularly to electric deep frying appliances for domestic orsmall commercial use.

BACKGROUND

The deep frying of foods in oil such as for example fish and chips haslong been practiced on a commercial basis. The equipment used isgenerally in the form of large volume stainless steel tanks, frequentlygas fired. Commonly the heating source or sources are so arranged as tomaximize the useful life of the large volumes of expensive cooking oilby minimizing the harmful carbonizing of the oil. Such carbonizing iscaused by high concentrations of heat per unit area at the heatingsource.

It is usual also in such commercial systems to incorporated a cool areaat the base of the tank which allows any carbonized particles which mayform to collect in this cool area and thus be isolated from furtherheating. This is an important consideration in the design of deep fryingequipment since some studies have linked carbonized heating oil todetrimental health effects.

In recent years the market has seen the development of a range ofelectric deep frying appliances, primarily intended for domestic use.They generally fall into two categories: bowls with separate heatingelements depending into the bowl and bowls with fixed external heatingelements. Both categories suffer from a number of disadvantages.

In the interest of cleaning, the elements and electrical control unit ofdeep fryers in the first category, are generally removable as a unit.The heating elements of these units generally employ a tubular heatingcoil bent into some suitable pattern to distribute heat to the oil inwhich the element is immersed. Because the length of such tubular coilsis limited by practical restrictions inherent in their manufacture, theresulting ratio of heat energy emitted per unit area to achieve arequired deep frying temperature is very high; sufficiently high toinduce carbonizing.

Another difficulty in this first category of deep frying appliances isthe positioning of the thermostat thermocouple. It is necessary tocontrol not only the cooking oil temperature prior to the addition ofcold food, but also to quickly sense the temperature reduction as aresult of the addition of such food. If the temperature controllingdevice does not sense a reduction in oil temperature quickly enough andre-energises the heating element, the food will absorb excessive amountsof oil. To compensate for this lag in thermal response, many deep fryershave higher than desirable initial oil temperature settings, whichresults in the inevitable rapid degradation of the oil.

Additionally, because of the danger of igniting cooking oil, regulatoryauthorities subject deep fryers to rigorous testing. It is a requirementof sale, for example, that if a deep fryer is turned on with either nooil, or only a remaining oil residue after emptying, that no fire willbe ignited. The thermocouple must react both to the oil when present,and the heating element when no oil is present.

A known solution has been to attach the thermocouples and theirconnection tubes to the coils but this renders them vulnerable and makescleaning difficult.

In deep frying appliances of the second category, the heating element isoften attached to the underside of the bowl. This inevitably leads toconsiderable inefficiency as only a proportion of the heat emitted bythe element can be transferred to the oil inside the bowl. Again theconfiguration of the heating element is generally that of a single coilso that the heat induced per unit of surface area of the bowl is likelyto be considerably higher than desirable. This second category of fryershas traditionally used thermostats attached to the outside of theheating bowl. As a result, it is difficult for these to quickly sense adrop in internal oil temperature, and thus cooking performance suffers.

Additionally, carbonised materials gravitate to the hottest part of thecontainer and degrade the oil rapidly

It is an object of the present invention to address or ameliorate atleast some of the above disadvantages.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION

Accordingly, in one broad form of the invention there is provided anelectric deep frying appliance adapted for the heating of cooking oilcomprising a bowl and heating assembly; said heating assembly includinga heat distributor wherein said heat distributor is in the form of anannular dished member; said heating assembly further including a controlpylon adapted to provide power and temperature control to said heatdistributor.

Preferably said bowl is formed of a substantially vertical wall part anda dished base part.

Preferably said bowl is formed of mild steel.

Preferably said bowl is formed of stainless steel.

Preferably said bowl is formed of aluminium.

Preferably said bowl is supported in a suitable support structure.

Preferably said dished base part is provided with a central depression,said central depression adapted to the accumulation of oil contaminants.

Preferably said annular dished member extends substantially between theperimeter of said central depression and the internal surface of saidwall part.

Preferably said heating assembly is removable from said bowl.

Preferably said annular dished member contains a heat emitting tubularelement.

Preferably said annular dished member is formed of pressure die-castaluminium, said die cast aluminium enveloping said tubular element.

Preferably said tubular element is in the form of a steel tube having aninsulated heating coil spring along the axis of said tube; said coilspring connected to terminals at the outer ends of said spring.

Preferably said annular dished member is provided with an integrallydie-cast raised pylon connector spigot.

Preferably said annular dished member is provided with integrally castsupport members projecting from the underside of said dished member soas to raise said dished member above the surface of said dished basepart of said bowl.

Preferably said terminals of said coil spring project upwardly in saidconnector spigot.

Preferably said control pylon includes a vertical tubular member and acontrol module, said control module sealably connected to the upper endof said tubular member.

Preferably said raised pylon connector spigot is sealably connected tothe lower end of said tubular member.

Preferably said tubular member is of a length sufficient to positionsaid control module above the rim of said bowl when said annular dishedmember of said heat distributor is resting with said support members onsaid dished base part of said bowl.

Preferably said heating assembly includes a thermostat and powerconnection module, said module adapted to mount to said connector spigotwithin said vertical tubular member.

Preferably said thermostat and power connection module includes anadjustable thermostat mechanism, said mechanism provided with avertically projecting adjustment shaft.

Preferably said thermostat and power connection module includesconnector means adapted to provide electrical connection with saidterminals of said heating coil spring when said thermostat and powerconnection module is located on said connector spigot.

Preferably said control module is provided with a safety switchprojecting from said module such that said switch is in a first “powerenabled” position when said heating assembly is properly installed insaid bowl.

Preferably said safety switch is in a second “power disabled” positionwhen said heating assembly is removed from said bowl.

Preferably power conductors extending the length of said tubular memberare connected between said connector means and said safety switch.

Preferably said control module is provided with a main power switchadapted to provide mains power to said safety switch.

Preferably said control module is provided with a thermostat controlknob, said control knob connected to said thermostat adjustment shaft bya connector rod.

Preferably said thermostat control knob and said adjustment shaft areadapted to the setting of said thermostat module to transfer power tosaid heating element up to a desired temperature of cooking oil within apredetermined range of temperatures.

Preferably said thermostat control knob and said adjustment shaft areadapted to the re-setting of said thermostat module.

Preferably said control module is provided with a power socket adaptedto receive a power input plug.

Preferably the electrical characteristics of said heat emitting tubularelement and the surface area of said annular dished member are adaptedto have a maximum heat flux density of less than 5 watts per centimetersquared.

Preferably a sludge strain basket is provided; said basket adapted torestrict turbulent flow of oil proximate to said dished part of saidbowl; said basket adapted to capture particulate carbon.

In a further broad form of the invention there is provided an electricdeep frying appliance adapted for the heating of cooking oil comprisinga bowl and heating assembly; said heating assembly including a heatdistributor wherein said heat distributor is in the form of a tubularheating element; said heating assembly further including a control pylonadapted to provide power and temperature control to said heatdistributor.

Preferably said bowl is formed of a substantially vertical wall part anda dished base part.

Preferably said bowl is formed of mild steel.

Preferably said bowl is formed of stainless steel.

Preferably said bowl is formed of aluminium.

Preferably said bowl is supported in a suitable support structure.

Preferably said heat distributor is in the form of a tubular heatingelement; said tubular heating element arranged in a symmetrical patternprojecting generally in a horizontal plane from the lower end of saidcontrol pylon; said pattern adapted to an even distribution of heatemanating from said tubular heating element.

Preferably said tubular heating element is comprised of a steel tubehaving an insulated heating coil spring along the axis of said tube;said coil spring connected to terminals at the outer ends of saidspring.

Preferably said control pylon includes a vertical tubular member and acontrol module, said control module sealably connected to the upper endof said tubular member.

Preferably said control pylon is provided with an end cap sealablyconnected to the lower end of said control pylon.

Preferably said heating assembly includes a thermostat and powerconnection module, said module adapted to mount within said end cap.

Preferably said thermostat and power connection module includes anadjustable thermostat mechanism, said mechanism provided with avertically projecting adjustment shaft.

Preferably said thermostat and power connection module includesconnector means adapted to provide electrical connection with saidterminals of said heating coil spring when said thermostat and powerconnection module is located on said connector spigot.

Preferably said control module is provided with a safety switch adaptedto prevent transmission of power to said heating coil spring when saidheating assembly is improperly installed in said bowl.

Preferably said safety switch is adapted to prevent transmission ofpower to said heating coil spring when said heating assembly is notinstalled in said bowl.

Preferably a first thermostat and a second thermostat are in thermalcommunication with said end cap.

Preferably said end cap is in thermal communication by bridging meanswith a portion of said tubular heating element; said portion beingthermally remote from said end cap.

Preferably said first thermostat is adapted to cut power to said heatingelement at a predetermined temperature; said temperature being a desiredtemperature of said cooking oil.

Preferably said second thermostat is adapted to cut power to saidheating element at a temperature significantly higher than any desiredtemperature of said cooking oil.

In yet a further broad form of the invention there is provided anelectric deep frying apparatus adapted for the heating of cooking oilcomprising a bowl and a heat source; said heat source supplied by powercables conducted through a sealed control pylon extending between saidheat source and the bowl entry.

Preferably said heat source comprises a heating element in heatconducting communication with a heat distributor.

Preferably said heat distributor is in the form of a dish having acentral aperture.

Preferably said control pylon defines an oil-free volume.

Preferably a temperature control device is located at the base of saidcontrol pylon.

Preferably said temperature control device includes a bi-metallic strip;at least a portion of said strip being in thermal communication withsaid heat distributor.

Preferably said temperature control device is adjustable; an adjustmentshaft passing from said temperature control device through said controlpylon to a control module.

Preferably a sludge strain basket is provided; said basket adapted torestrict turbulent flow of oil blow said central aperture of said heatdistributor; said basket adapted to capture particulate carbon.

In yet a further broad form of the invention there is provided anelectric deep frying apparatus adapted for the heating of cooking oilcomprising a bowl and a heat source; said heat source supplied by powerconductor cables passing through a sealed vertical control pylonextending between said heat source and the bowl entry.

Preferably said heat source is in the form of a heating coil, said coilsuspended spaced away from the base of said bowl by said control pylon.

Preferably said heating coil is provided with terminals issuing from anend cap sealably connected to the base of said pylon.

Preferably said end cap is provided with a heat conducting bridge inthermal communication with a portion of said heating coil.

Preferably dual self resetting thermostat units are mounted in the baseof said control pylon; said thermostat units in thermal communicationwith said end cap and said heat conducting bridge.

Preferably a first of said thermostat units is adapted to prevent thesupply of electrical power to said heating coil above a predeterminedtemperature of the cooking oil as thermally communicated to saidcasting; said predetermined temperature being associated with an optimumtemperature for deep frying.

Preferably a second of said thermostat units is adapted to act as asafety power cut-off means, acting to prevent supply of electrical powerto said heating coil at a temperature significantly higher than saidpredetermined temperature as thermally communicated through said heatconducting bridge.

In yet a further broad form of the invention there is provided a methodfor the heating of cooking oil in a bowl by means of a heat distributorwherein the maximum heat flux density of said heat distributor is notgreater than 5 watts per centimeter squared; said method including thesteps of:

-   -   (a) Providing a heat distributor in the form of a die cast dish        having a central aperture,    -   (b) positioning said heat distributor in a bowl having a dished        base and central depression,    -   (c) supporting said heat source clear of said dished base.

Preferably said die cast dish envelops a tubular heating element in heatconducting communication with said heat distributor.

Preferably said die cast dish extends substantially between the internalconfines of said bowl and the periphery of said central depression.

Preferably said tubular heating element is supplied with electricalpower via a control pylon sealably attached to a portion of said diecast dish.

Preferably said control pylon extends vertically to at least the rim ofsaid bowl; the upper end of said pylon sealably attached to a powercontrol module.

Preferably a temperature control module in the form of a thermostat ispositioned at the base of said control pylon and in thermalcommunication with said die cast dish.

Preferably said temperature control module is adjustable by means of acontrol rod extending up through said control pylon from saidtemperature control module to a control knob mounted to said powercontrol module.

Preferably the surface area of said die cast dish and the electricalcharacteristics of said tubular heating element are adapted to emit nogreater than said maximum heat flux density of 5 watts per centimetersquared.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described withreference to the accompanying drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an assembled deep frying applianceaccording to the invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a heating assembly of the appliance ofFIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a sectioned view of a lower portion of the deep fryingappliance of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a plan view of a part of the heating assembly of FIG. 2.

FIG. 5 is a plan view of a further embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 6 is a sectioned view of the embodiment of FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 is a perspective exploded view of a further preferred embodimentof the invention.

FIG. 8 is a sectioned side view of FIG. 7 when assembled.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

A first preferred embodiment of an electric deep frying appliance 10according to the present invention will now be described with referenceto FIG. 1. A bowl 11 having generally vertical walls 12 and a dishedbase part 13 is adapted to hold a quantity of cooking oil 14 and ismounted in a support structure (not shown). The support structure may bea simple stand or an enveloping shell of, for example, a suitableinjection moulded polymer so as to provide both support and preventcontact with the outside of the bowl 11 when this is hot.

The bowl 11 may be formed of any suitable material including mild steel,stainless steel or aluminium. The base 13 of bowl 11 is provided with acentral depression 15. Optionally, the bowl may be provided with a lid(not shown) which may be loose or hinged to the bowl 11 or to anenveloping shell. Bowl 11 may be of circular or oblong or any othersuitable shape.

With reference to FIGS. 2 and 3, a heating assembly 16 is comprised of aheat distributor 17 and a control pylon 18. Control pylon 18 is furthercomprised of pylon tube 19 and control module 20. In a preferredembodiment bowl 11 is provided with a protruding vertical channel 22 asshown in FIG. 1, adapted to at least partially accommodate control pylon18 so as to minimize its intrusion into the cooking area of bowl 11.

Heat distributor 17 has an annular dished form extending between theperiphery 23 of central depression 15 and vertical walls 12 as may bestbe seen in FIG. 3. Heat distributor 17 is provided with a circularshaped pylon connector spigot 24 projecting upwardly at a point on itsperiphery. The plate 17 and spigot 24 form a single unit of, forexample, pressure die-cast aluminium construction. Heat distributor 17is cast around a tubular heating element 25 shown in dashed outline inFIGS. 3 and 4.

Preferably the heat distributor 17 casting includes at least threeprojections from its underside in the form of supporting pillars 26 soas to position the heat distributor at some distance above the base 13of the bowl 11. Plate 17 is provided with a central aperture 27 adaptedto allow cooler oil and any contaminants such as food particles to sinkto the central depression 15 of bowl 11. The dished shape of sides 28 ofheat distributor 17 allows for a greater surface contact area as well asaiding in the directing of particulate matter towards the aperture 27and central depression 15.

With reference to FIG. 3, tubular heating element 25 is of conventionalconstruction, comprising an outer steel tube 29 containing a heatingcoil spring 30 and an insulating material 31. As can best be seen inFIG. 4, tubular heating element 25 forms an almost closed loop withinheat distributor 17 with the ends 32 of the element bending upwardly toemerge from the casting at raised pylon connector spigot 24. Again withreference to FIG. 3, terminal rods 33 connected to the two ends of theheating coil spring 30, project from the tubular heating element ends 32to provide connections for power input to the heating coil spring 30.

The control pylon tube 19 is a metal tube having a circular sectionadapted to attach to pylon connector spigot 24 of heat distributor 17.Sealing between control pylon tube 19 and pylon connector spigot 24 maybe effected for example, by means of at least one “o” ring seal 34together with a crimping of the edge 35 of the pylon tube 19 into asuitably formed recess as illustrated in FIG. 3. Alternatively, pylontube 19 may be affixed to the connector spigot 24 by means of welding orbrazing.

Control module 20 is fitted to the upper end of control pylon tube 19.The length of pylon tube 19 is such that control module 20 locates justabove the rim 36 of bowl 11 when heating assembly 16 is placed in thebowl (refer FIG. 1). Control module 20 is comprised of an enclosurehaving a base portion 37 sealably attached to pylon tube 19 and aclosure portion 38. When assembled to form heating assembly 16, controlmodule 20, pylon tube 19 and heat distributor 17 form a sealed unit.

Control module 20 is provided with a temperature selector knob 40 apower switch 41 and a power safety switch 42. Power safety switch 42projects from the bottom of base portion 37 of control module 20 so asto contact the rim 36 of bowl 11 or the bowl support structure. Whenheating assembly 16 is properly installed in bowl 11, safety switch 42is caused to assume a “power on” position. When heating assembly 16 isremoved from bowl 11 or not correctly positioned in it, safety switch 42assumes its default position of “power off”.

Prior to the assembly of closure portion 38 to base portion 37,thermostat module 21 is installed in the base of pylon tube 19.Thermostat module 21 is comprised of a housing 39 containing athermostat mechanism (not shown) and spring clip power connector means43 which project from housing 39. Housing 39 is adapted to slide intopylon tube 19 and seat against control pylon connector spigot 24. Whenfixed in this position, power connector means 43 are engaged to theterminal rods 33 of heating coil spring 30.

Power connector means 43 are provided with power via the thermostatmechanism (not shown) located in housing 39. The thermostat mechanism isin turn connected by power conductor cables 44 to safety switch 42.Safety switch 42 is in turn connected by conductor means to power switch41.

The thermostat mechanism is provided with adjustment shaft 45 projectingupwardly from housing 39 and is connected to temperature selector knob40 by means of connector rod 46. Preferably, the thermostat mechanismcomprises a bi-metallic strip at least a portion of which is in thermalcommunication with the pylon connector spigot.

The surface area of heat distributor 17 and the electricalcharacteristics of tubular heating element 25 are adapted to the sizeand oil volume of a given bowl to provide a heat source having a heatflux density of no greater than approximately 5 watts per squarecentimeter. It has been found that heat fluxes higher than this cancause carbonization of cooking oils with a concomitant reduction in oillife and adverse health indications.

This relatively low power level is sufficient to limit the maximum heatdistributor temperature to a level relatively close to that of theoptimum cooking temperature of the oil. In addition to avoidingcarbonizing, the large surface area of the heat distributor whencompared with prior art heat sources, decreases the degree of the suddendrop in oil temperature when cold food is introduced into the bowl. Thisis aided by the locating of the thermostat module in close proximity tothe heat distributor. Thus the efficiency of the cooking process in bothtime and energy expenditure is improved.

In a second preferred embodiment, the heat distributor is a castingwhich has the loop of the tubular steel heating element attached to itsunderside, for example by brazing. The ends of the heating element thenpass upwardly through the base of the pylon connector spigot to emergein the base of the communication pylon for attachment to the thermostatcontrol module as described above.

In yet a further preferred embodiment, the heat distributor is comprisedof concentric and dished rings of flattened heating elements issuingfrom the communication pylon spigot. The thermostat module is in thermalcontact with the spigot so as to maximize the sensitivity of thethermostat to changes in the oil temperature.

In yet a further preferred embodiment as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, theheat distributor 17 is in the form of a heating element tube 50 bentinto a suitable heat distributing pattern 51 and issuing from an end cap52 at the base of communication pylon 18. In this embodiment the end cap52 at the base of the pylon 18 is formed either as a casting or a metalpressing sealably connected to the end of pylon tube 19.

A thermal bridge 53 is attached to the base of the end cap 52 and at apoint 54 on the heating element tube 50 of the heat distributor,preferably at a point thermally remote from end cap 54 along the lengthof the tube 50. The bridge 53 serves to transfer heat to the end cap 52at the base of the pylon in the event that the heating element has beenswitched on with no, or insufficient oil in the bowl 11.

Dual self re-setting thermostat units 55 and 56 are located in the endcap 52 of the pylon tube 19 and arranged so as to be in thermalcommunication with the end cap. The first of these thermostat units isset to cut power to the heating element when the heat transfer fromheated oil around the end cap reaches a predetermined temperature. Thesecond thermostat unit responds to cut power at a significantly highertemperature, acting as a safety back-up to the first.

A further preferred embodiment of a heating assembly according to theinvention is described with reference to the exploded views of FIG. 7and the sectioned side view of FIG. 8 wherein like features are numberedas before but with the addition of 100. Heating assembly 116 againincludes heat distributor 117 interconnected with control module 120 bycontrol pylon 118.

Heat distributor 117 is provided with pylon connector spigot 124 whichin this embodiment is provided with annular seating portion 153 andexternal thread 154. Pylon tube 119 is provided with projecting annularflange 151 and internally threaded ring 150 free to slide downwardlyaround the outer surface of pylon tube 119 until arrested by flange 151.The underside of flange 151 is a flat surface as is annular seatingportion 153; each surface being normal to the axes of pylon tube 119 andconnector spigot 124 respectively. Both surfaces are defined by similarouter and inner diameters. An “O” ring 152 is provided of a diameter tobe supported on annular seating portion 153.

On assembly “O” ring 152 is placed on annular seating portion 153, pylontube flange 151 is seated on the “O” ring and the internally threadedring 150 screwed down onto threaded portion 154 thereby compressing “O”ring 152 between the opposing surfaces of the annular seating portion153 and underside of flange 151 respectively to effect an oil-tight sealbetween heat distributor 117 and pylon tube 119.

In at least some alternative forms of this embodiment the function of“O” ring 152 may be served by any suitable ring sealing means.

Thermostat module 121 is seated within the lower portion of pylon tube119, attached to connector spigot 124. Power is fed via cables or othersuitable power conducting means (not shown) down through pylon tube 119to attach to terminals of thermostat module 121. Power is transmittedthrough thermostat module 121 to heating coil ends 133. The setting ofthermostat module 121 for control of a desired temperature of cookingoil is effected by thermostat control rod 158 extending upwardly fromthe module through pylon tube 119 to control module 120.

Control module 120 is comprised of an enclosure having a base portion137 sealably attached to pylon tube 119, a back closure portion 138 andcontrol cap 139. Base portion 137 is attached to upper end of pylon tube119 by means of adaptor 155. Adaptor 155 includes a lower skirt portion156, an annular projecting flange portion 157 and an upper externallythreaded portion 158. Lower skirt portion 156 is adapted to slide intopylon tube 119 and is affixed to the tube. Preferably pylon tube 119 andadaptor 155 are made of stainless steel.

The components forming control module 120 are preferably injectionmoulded from a suitable heat resistant polymer. Base portion 137 ofcontrol module 120 is provided with aperture 159 adapted to fit overexternally threaded portion 158 of adaptor 155 to seat on projectingflange portion 157. On assembly, a threaded securing ring 160 is screweddown onto externally threaded portion 158 to secure base portion 137 topylon tube 119.

Control module 120 is provided with thermostat control knob 140,rotation of which is transmitted via thermostat control rod 158. Controlknob 140 movement is adapted to change the temperature setting in afirst direction of rotation and affect the resetting of the thermostatoverheat cutout condition when rotated fully in an opposite seconddirection. Control module 120 is further provided with power on/offswitch 141. In this preferred embodiment power on/off switch 141 isintegrated with safety switch mechanism 142 such that if heatingassembly 116 is not properly located on the rim of its bowl, safetyswitch mechanism 142 prevents power on/off switch 141 being set to its“on” position.

In at least one preferred embodiment of the invention as shown in FIG.8, a sludge strain basket 165 is provided for the prevention ofturbulent flow of oil through the central aperture of the heatdistributor and for the purpose of trapping particulate carbonatematter. Preferably the basket clips into the internal periphery of theheat distributor so as to be readily removable for cleaning. It isprovided in at least some forms with the internal partition grating asshown in plan view in FIG. 8. As an alternative to its retention in theaperture of the heat distributor, basket 165 may be supported orreleasably retained at the base of the bowl (not shown in FIG. 8)

Clearly the embodiments described in detail above may be modified bythose skilled in the art without departing from the concept and spiritof the invention. Thus for example a variety of bowl and heatdistributor shapes may be employed without affecting the function andadvantages of the invention.

1. An electric deep frying appliance adapted for the heating of cookingoil comprising a bowl and heating assembly; said heating assemblyincluding a heat distributor wherein said heat distributor is in theform of an annular dished member; a central aperture of said annulardished member adapted to allow passage therethrough of contaminants whensaid appliance is in use; said heating assembly further including acontrol pylon adapted to provide power and temperature control to saidheat distributor.
 2. The appliance of claim 1 wherein said bowl isformed of a substantially vertical wall part and a dished base part. 3.The appliance of claim 1 wherein said bowl is formed of mild steel. 4.The appliance of claim 1 wherein said bowl is formed of stainless steel.5. The appliance of claim 1 wherein said bowl is formed of aluminium. 6.The appliance of claim 1 wherein said bowl is supported in a suitablesupport structure.
 7. The appliance of claim 2 wherein said dished basepart is provided with a central depression, said central depressionadapted to the accumulation of oil contaminants.
 8. The appliance ofclaim 7 wherein said annular dished member extends substantially betweenthe perimeter of said central depression and the internal surface ofsaid wall part.
 9. The appliance of claim 7 wherein said annular dishedmember is formed of pressure die-cast aluminium.
 10. The appliance ofclaim 7 wherein said annular dished member envelops a heat emittingtubular element.
 11. The appliance of claim 7 wherein said annulardished member is thermally connected to a heat emitting tubular element.12. The appliance of claim 7 wherein said annular dished member isprovided with integrally cast support members projecting from theunderside of said dished member so as to raise said dished member abovethe surface of said dished base part of said bowl.
 13. The appliance ofclaim 10 wherein said heat emitting tubular element is in the form of alength of steel tube having an insulated heating coil spring along theaxis of said tube; said coil spring connected to terminals at the outerends of said length of steel tube.
 14. The appliance of claim 1 whereinsaid annular dished member is provided with an integrally die-castraised pylon connector spigot.
 15. The appliance of claim 14 whereinsaid terminals of said coil spring project upwardly in said connectorspigot.
 16. The appliance of claim 15 wherein said control pyloncomprises a substantially vertical hollow tubular member sealablyconnected to said connector spigot at the lower end of said tubularmember and to a control module at the upper end of said tubular member;said control pylon providing a conduit for power cables and a controlrod extending from said control module to a thermostat and powerconnection module mounted within said lower end of said tubular member.17. The appliance of claim 16 wherein said tubular member is of a lengthsufficient to position said control module above the rim of said bowlwhen said annular dished member of said heat distributor is resting withsaid support members on said dished base part of said bowl.
 18. Theappliance of claim 16 wherein said thermostat and power connectionmodule is adapted to mount to said connector spigot within said tubularmember.
 19. The appliance of claim 16 wherein said thermostat and powerconnection module includes an adjustable thermostat mechanism, saidmechanism provided with a vertically projecting thermostat adjustmentshaft.
 20. The appliance of claim 16 wherein said thermostat and powerconnection module includes connector means adapted to provide electricalconnection with said terminals of said heating coil spring when saidthermostat and power connection module is located on said connectorspigot.